Swans taking hard-nosed approach to Bombers

THE Sydney Swans are ready to do the hard yakka again as they embark on another finals campaign.

Hard-bodied midfielder Luke Parker says that for the Swans, who have contested three grand finals in the past six years, winning the contested ball will be crucial to slowing down a pacey Essendon side on Saturday night in their elimination final at the SCG.

"This year we've gone back to being a hard, inside, contested team. That's what we're about," Parker said.

"We got back to the footy that stood up in big games. That's how we've been playing and that's what has been standing up. We look forward to challenging teams that are more uncontested, outside run (style)."

The Swans snatched a one-point victory from the Bombers when they met in round 14, with a goal after the siren.

Parker, who will be rejoined in the midfield by Dan Hennebery (hip), said he hoped the Swans could put the visitors away earlier this time.

"Hopefully we don't leave it down to the last five seconds," Parker said. "They're a really skilled side and they can score really quickly. They're a fast team and if you give them a window of opportunity, they'll easily pile on a few goals.